Fashion Nova vs. Pretty Little Thing: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Fashion Nova is best known for its bold, curve-hugging styles with a heavy focus on bodycon dresses, clubwear, and an inclusive size range that goes up to 4X. By contrast, Pretty Little Thing (PLT) offers a broader, more versatile range of edgy, trend-driven pieces suitable for everything from casual outings to nights out, though its sizing is slightly less extensive.

Let's compare these two fast-fashion giants to help you decide which one will best fill your closet.

Fashion Nova: The Curve-Hugging Trendsetter

Fashion Nova is a go-to online retailer for young women seeking sexy, on-trend clothing that highlights their figures. The brand has built its empire on social media, becoming famous for its lightning-fast turnaround on trendy pieces and its commitment to body positivity, primarily targeting shoppers aged 18-35 who aren't afraid to make a statement.

• Product mix: Specializes in nightlife-ready apparel. Expect a massive selection of bodycon dresses, high-waisted jeans that accentuate curves, matching sets, and bold jumpsuits.
• Price point: Very affordable, with most items falling between $20 and $60. It's common to find complete outfits for under $100.
• Sizing/Fit: A major advantage is its inclusive sizing, with many styles available up to size 3X or 4X. Items generally use stretchy fabrics and are designed for a tight fit, some pieces can run slightly small, so checking size charts is recommended.
• Sales: Known for frequent flash sales and promotions, often advertising site-wide discounts like 30-50% off.
• Return policy: Accepts returns for store credit only within a 30-day window. Refunds are not typically offered.

Fashion Nova is the undisputed choice for shoppers who want affordable, daring, and figure-flattering outfits, especially for parties and nights out, with one of the most inclusive size ranges in fast fashion.

Shop Fashion Nova: fashionnova.com

Pretty Little Thing: The Versatile Trend Hub

Pretty Little Thing is a UK-based fashion powerhouse that delivers a wide array of current trends to style-conscious young women. PLT's collections are incredibly diverse, moving seamlessly from relaxed daywear to glamorous evening looks. The brand appeals to shoppers aged 16-30 who want to experiment with the latest styles without a high price tag.

• Product mix: Offers a broader variety of styles compared to Fashion Nova, including dresses, tops, activewear, accessories, and footwear. You'll find everything from oversized hoodies and casual denim to edgy festival wear and formal dresses.
• Price point: Competitively priced, with most items ranging from $15 to $70. The brand consistently offers deep discounts.
• Sizing/Fit: Carries a good size range, typically up to a US 16 or 20. Fit is generally true to size but can vary between collections. They often feature an extensive plus-size section for curvier body types.
• Sales: Constantly has a sale running. It isn't unusual to see discounts of up to 70% off, making it a favorite for bargain hunters.
• Return policy: Offers a straightforward 28-day return policy for a full refund, making it a bit more flexible than Fashion Nova.

Pretty Little Thing excels at providing an enormous selection of trendy and edgy styles for almost any occasion, backed by frequent, aggressive sales and a customer-friendly return policy.

Shop Pretty Little Thing: prettylittlething.com

Fashion Nova vs. Pretty Little Thing Comparison

Price Comparison

Both brands live in the affordable fast-fashion space, with similar core price points. A typical dress or top from either store will cost between $25 and $50. However, their sale strategies differ slightly. Pretty Little Thing nearly always has a major sale event running, often advertising "50% off everything" or even deeper discounts.

Fashion Nova also runs frequent promotions, but they are often timed flash sales tied to holidays or weekends. If you catch a sale, prices are comparable at both, but PLT's constant discounts might offer more consistent opportunities to save.

Style & Aesthetic

This is where the biggest difference lies. Fashion Nova has a very distinct aesthetic: bold, sexy, and body-conscious. Its designs are made to hug your curves and are heavily geared toward clubbing and special events. If you want a dress that turns heads on a night out, Fashion Nova is likely your first stop.

Pretty Little Thing is more of a trend chameleon. While it certainly offers plenty of party dresses, its collection is much broader. You'll find streetwear, cottagecore-inspired dresses, casual joggers, formal occasion wear, and edgy separates. PLT's style is more about tapping into a wide spectrum of current trends, offering versatility for different parts of your life, not just going out.

Fit & Sizing

Fashion Nova is a clear leader in inclusive sizing. With a huge portion of its catalog extending to 3X and even 4X, it caters to a wider range of plus-size shoppers than most of its competitors. Its use of stretchy, supportive fabrics ensures its signature body-hugging fit works across many body types. Sizing can sometimes run a little small, but there is a definite focus on consistent, curve-friendly cuts.

Pretty Little Thing also has a plus-size range and typically offers sizes up to a US 20. Its sizing is generally considered true to size, but given the diversity of its styles - from oversized fits to tailored pieces - consistency can vary more than at Fashion Nova. It’s always best to read reviews and consult the size guide before purchasing from PLT.

Quality & Materials

As fast-fashion brands, neither Fashion Nova nor Pretty Little Thing is focused on high-end materials or long-term durability. Their business model is built on providing trendy looks for a season or two. Fashion Nova relies heavily on spandex blends, polyester, and other stretchy synthetic materials to achieve its tight fits. Pretty Little Thing uses a wider variety of fabrics due to its more diverse collection, but quality is comparable - expect standard fast-fashion materials.

You may find some inconsistencies with stitching or fabric thickness from both brands. Their value is in the style and price, not longevity. Fashion Nova clothes often have a slightly more substantial feel due to the thicker, shape-retaining fabrics used for their signature looks.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands operate on a fast-fashion model, which is inherently linked to environmental and ethical concerns due to rapid production cycles and waste. Neither company is a leader in sustainability. While both have made minor gestures towards eco-friendly collections or transparency initiatives, their core business practices do not prioritize sustainability.

If purchasing from environmentally conscious and ethical brands is a priority for you, it would be best to look beyond both Fashion Nova and Pretty Little Thing.

Return Policies

Pretty Little Thing has a more shopper-friendly return policy. They typically offer a full refund for items returned within their 28-day window. This allows you to try things on and get your money back if they don't work out.

Fashion Nova, on the other hand, only offers store credit for returns made within 30 days. This means your money stays with the brand, which can be a drawback if you're not a frequent shopper or simply didn't like the product.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right brand really depends on your personal style and what you're shopping for.

Choose Fashion Nova if:

• You're looking for outfits specifically for parties, nights out, or special events.
• A curve-hugging, body-conscious silhouette is your go-to style.
• Inclusive plus-sizing is a top priority for you.
• You want to replicate trendy looks seen on celebrity influencers like Cardi B.

Choose Pretty Little Thing if:

• You want a one-stop shop for a wide variety of current trends, from casual to glamorous.
• You value a more flexible return policy that offers full refunds.
• Shopping with deep discounts is important to you.
• You're looking for everything from a bold festival outfit to a casual daytime dress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fashion Nova or Pretty Little Thing cheaper?

Their prices are extremely competitive and very similar. Pretty Little Thing often has site-wide sales with deep discounts that are almost always active, which can sometimes make it cheaper overall. However, Fashion Nova's sales are also frequent and aggressive, so the value is comparable.

Which has better quality clothes?

Both are fast-fashion brands, so quality is not their main focus. Durability is not guaranteed with either. However, many shoppers feel that Fashion Nova's stretchy, figure-sculpting fabrics can feel a bit more substantial and supportive for their intended bodycon styles.

Does Fashion Nova or PLT have better sizing?

For plus-size shoppers, Fashion Nova is generally better due to its more extensive size range, often going up to 3X or 4X. Pretty Little Thing also has a plus section but typically stops around size 20. For standard sizing, both brands are reasonably true to size.

What is Fashion Nova known for?

Fashion Nova is primarily known for making trendy, sexy, and curve-hugging clothing accessible and affordable. It's famous for jeans that fit hourglass figures, bodycon dresses, and its massive social media influence.

What style is Pretty Little Thing?

Pretty Little Thing has a very broad and versatile style that adopts almost every major trend of the moment. It can be described as edgy, daring, and youthful, covering everything from streetwear and festival fashion to glamorous evening looks.

How fast is shipping for Fashion Nova and Pretty Little Thing?

Both brands are known for fast shipping within the US, often delivering within 3-5 business days with standard shipping. They both also offer expedited shipping options for next-day or two-day delivery at an additional cost.

Which brand is better for dresses?

If you need a bold, sexy, going-out dress, Fashion Nova is unparalleled. If you're looking for a wider variety of dresses - including casual day dresses, formal styles, or edgy designs - Pretty Little Thing will have more options to choose from.

Which brand has a better return policy?

Pretty Little Thing has a better return policy because it offers full refunds to your original payment method. Fashion Nova only provides store credit, which is less flexible for shoppers.